Mark Bedell, owner operator of the Maine Academy of Staged Combat, has unprescidented experience in both teaching and directing all aspects of theatre and film production. Please view his "RESUME" page for details on his amazing 30+ year career.

Mark Bedell is available to Film and Television Production Companies, Theatre Companies, High Schools, Univeresities and private groups.

Ride Hard, Fall Soft, FIGHT SAFE!

High Schools and Universities: Give your students some world-class experience in physical acting. We will custom design the workshop to your needs -- Broadswords, Rapier, Rapier & Dagger, Sword & Shield, Staff, Empty-Hand... Your students will learn the SAFE way to perform combat for the stage and for the screen. We can, if you choose, culminate in a performance of Shakespeare's most notable fights. This is NOT just how to swing a sword or throw a punch, this is truly a physical acting experience.﻿

Theatres and Performing Groups: Get your core company members trained with this very important skill. Not JUST for staged combat, but physical comedy as well. Ensure the safety of your cast while simultaneously ensuring far more dynamic physical conflict and physical comedy in your future shows. Workshop Curriculum will be customized to your stated needs.﻿

Mark Bedell was a Director, Writer, Fight Director and Technical Director for The Children's Theatre of Maine in the mid 1980s. He co-owned and operated the nationally known Krackerjack Theatre Co., Paragon Stage Co. and Driftwood Players through the 90s.

He was a Writer, Weapons Master and Stunt Coordinator for scores of feature films, television shows and documentaries in Los Angeles, New York City and even internationally.

He founded the Maine and Missouri Academies of Staged Combat (many of his students have gone on to professional theatre/film careers!).

He continues to train gymnasts, stunt people, soldiers, equestrians and others with special skills to also be actors who can fight safely on stage, screen, and even documentaries.

GROUP INSTRUCTION FOR ACTION ACTORS(FILM, THEATRE, OPERA PRODUCERS TAKE NOTE:Send your actors to us before you start production. Save a LOT of time and money on set!)Any week you choose... winter, spring, fall in Missouri. Summer in Maine... whatever is good for you. You and up to ten friends get instruction in empty hand, martial arts, broadsword, rapier, firearms and quarterstaff fighting. Receive instruction and experience in high falls, wire work, falls, rolls and anything "specific" you may need for an upcoming role. or you can request special weapons/styles, i.e.: